Chase your 2026 goals as Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha and Cape Town 10K go live

The road ahead is clear, flat and fast. South Africa’s premier urban road-running spectacle, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, is back in 2026, and the first strides of the journey begin this week as entries opened for the Gqeberha 10K and Cape Town 10K.

A fixture on the local and international running calendar, the series blends elite-level speed with mass participation energy, drawing everyone from podium chasers to first-time 10km runners onto courses designed for rhythm, flow and personal bests. Gqeberha and Cape Town once again lead the charge, setting the tempo for a five-city tour that celebrates the heartbeat of South African road running.

“We are excited to kick off the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by opening entries for the first two of five iconic races, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

“Since inception, Gqeberha (in 2023) and Cape Town (in 2015), both events have delivered world-class racing and an unforgettable atmosphere. As we celebrate the 4th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and 11th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, we’re committed to elevating the experience even further with more excitement, exceptional performances, and that unmistakable city vibe runners love.”

These races are tailor-made for ticking off early-season goals. Gqeberha’s coastal route offers a smooth, sea-level test where legs can spin freely, while Cape Town’s point-to-point layout delivers a dynamic run through iconic streets, backed by one of the country’s strongest running cultures. In both cities, the crowd support acts like an invisible tailwind, lifting runners through every kilometre marker.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K by Anthony Grote

“Runners can expect 10km racing at its finest,” Meyer added. “Entries sell out quickly every year, so we encourage everyone to sign up early and secure their spot to avoid missing out.

Title sponsor Absa continues to position the series as more than a race day result.

“Gqeberha and Cape Town, the wait is over, entries for the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K officially open on 11 December! This is your moment to lace up early, secure your spot, and own your streets with purpose,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships, Brand and Marketing at Absa.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is more than just a race; it’s a movement inspiring real, positive change. We can’t wait to welcome you at the start line and celebrate your journey all the way to the finish.”

With Durban, Tshwane and Joburg waiting later in the season like checkpoints on a long training cycle, the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series promises another year where preparation meets opportunity – and the streets decide the story.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series – Key Race Info

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Date: Sunday, 01 March 2026
Start Time: 07:00
Start & Finish: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
Entry Fee:

  • Licensed Runner: R255
  • Temporary License: R30
    Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
    Entries Close: Monday, 23 February 2026 or once capacity is reached

Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Start Time: 09:00
Start Venue: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Venue: Cape Town CBD
Entry Fee:

  • Licensed Runner: R255
  • Temporary License: R60
    Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
    Entries Close: Monday, 04 May 2026 or once capacity is reached

Later in the 2026 Series

  • Durban 10K: Sunday, 12 July
  • Tshwane 10K: Sunday, 23 August
  • Joburg 10K: Thursday, 24 September

More info:www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity

Tshwane set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10K spectacle

By Adnaan Mohamed

In the heart of the capital, where jacaranda-lined boulevards meet gritty tarmac, a stampede is brewing—one not of hooves, but of hearts pounding in unison. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, the fourth leg of South Africa’s premier road running series, is set to light up the streets of Arcadia on Sunday, 24 August 2025. 

Like a sprinter exploding from the blocks, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is barrelling into Tshwane for its penultimate leg where pounding feet will soon echo through the capital’s corridors of culture.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K continues to attract elite athletes from across South Africa and beyond, delivering exciting racing and unforgettable performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and architect of the series.

“This event is a true celebration of Tshwane’s spirit, culture, and growing prominence on the national and international running calendar.”

Fresh off a triple crown of sold-out spectacles in Gqeberha, Cape Town and Durban, the road running juggernaut now turns its gaze inland, where anticipation sizzles like summer tar.

Meyer isn’t overselling it. The Tshwane edition is a finely tuned balance of high-performance athleticism and street-festival euphoria. It’s where Olympic hopefuls and barefoot dreamers toe the same line, racing past cheering residents, live DJs, and heritage-laced landmarks like Arcadia’s Stanza Bopape Street — the race’s start and finish line.

And it’s not just about cadence and heartbeats.

“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together, and this event is a true reflection of that commitment,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa.

“The entertainment along the route is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and cultural traditions, turning the race into a vibrant tribute to the capital’s spirit.”

Indeed, if marathons are chess games in motion, this 10K is a party on the run — a rhythmic riot of neon trainers, sweaty smiles and Tshwane’s unmistakable beat.

To keep runners fueled with joy, PUMA South Africa is bringing its crowd-favourite GO WILD activation — a carnival of colour and kinetic selfies that’s followed the series from coast to capital.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES route activations by Anthony Grote

“This high-energy experience is inspired by our latest ‘Runner’s High’ campaign,” says Rae Trew-Browne, PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager.

“It’s all about celebrating movement, motivation, and moments of joy… Whether you’re chasing a PB or just soaking in the atmosphere, don’t forget to snap a selfie and share your race day spirit.”

Meanwhile, automotive partner Chery South Africa will once again ignite the field with its on-route activation — injecting mid-race adrenaline like a second wind from a gel pack.

“Our activation is all about uplifting runners with a surge of inspiration just when they need it most,” says Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu. 

“We’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the power of community.”

Oh, and one lucky runner will cross the finish line and drive off in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT valued at R269,900 — if they’ve earned it by finishing all 10 kilometres.

For those with fire in their legs and patriotism in their lungs, the Heritage Double Entry offers runners a two-city combo: Tshwane in August and Joburg on 24 September. The package includes two races, exclusive gear, Gautrain rides, and a boerie roll with a beer — a fitting post-race reward as they cool down in heritage-rich public squares.

Runners can also lace up for a cause. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports CANSA, the Cancer Association of South Africa. Every stride can be a statement — every kilometre a contribution.

So, whether you’re an elite gunning for glory, a weekend warrior in search of runner’s high, or a spectator chasing vibes not medals, Tshwane promises a race as electric as a final sprint down the home stretch.

Ready, Tshwane? The countdown has begun. Lace up, line up, and run your city.

Entries close Friday, 15 August 2025 — or when capacity bursts like a popped hamstring. Don’t miss your stride.

Race Info:

  • Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025
  • Time: 08:00
  • Venue: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia
  • Entry Fee: R255 (Licensed), R70 (Temp License)
  • Double Heritage Entry: R595 (includes both Tshwane & Joburg events)

Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
Website: https://runyourcityseries.com/